Judge strikes down Trump policy that suspended immigrant visas for 75 countries
Also reported by AP News
Summary
A federal judge ruled that President Trump's policy suspending immigrant visas for people from 75 countries is illegal. The judge said the policy overstepped legal authority and canceled visa denials made only based on that policy, requiring normal immigration rules to be used again.Key Facts
- The policy was announced in January by the State Department and stopped immigrant visa processing from 75 countries.
- The suspension aimed to prevent people from entering the U.S. who might use public welfare benefits.
- Judge Jeannette A. Vargas said the policy contradicted federal immigration law giving visa decisions solely to consular officers.
- The judge’s ruling cancels visa denials made just based on this policy.
- The suspension affected families, separating spouses, parents, and children who followed legal immigration steps.
- The Catholic Legal Immigration Network filed the lawsuit challenging the policy.
- The State Department has not said whether it will appeal the judge’s decision.
- Earlier, the State Department said the policy was to stop people who would become a public charge and misuse U.S. generosity.
